Newsday reported yesterday that the Jets are seriously considering a trade for the Denver Bronco's disgruntled (and frequently troubled) wide receiver Brandon Marshall.This comes from an unnamed source within the NFL organization who is said to be familiar with the Jets situation.
Easily one of the most talented but troubled receivers in the game, Marshall was suspended Friday by the Broncos for conduct detrimental to the team.
Caught on video and broadcast by a local television station, during pre-practice warm-ups last Wednesday, Marshall walked while the rest of the team ran, punted a ball away from a ball boy instead of handing it to him and he also swatted down a pass thrown to him.
He will remain suspended until September 5th.
Marshall has demanded a new contract through much of the offseason and preseason and also has asked to be traded. He is due to make $2.2 million this season.
It's like deja vu all over again for Denver.
The Jets wide receivers corp have been under some tight scrutiny over the last couple of months, with many pointing to the lack of a true number one receiver in Jerricho Cotchery and the hodge podge of receivers who have yet to produce a clear number two receiver behind him.
There has been very little doubt about the teams need to get a force to reckon with at the position. Brandon Marshall would definitely represent this force should he be picked up, but will the price tag be right?
After the fiasco they experienced with Jay Cutler, it is highly unlikely that Denver will let Marshall go without attaching a high price tag to him. Denver is reportedly looking for a first rounder at minimum.
I have to wonder if the Jets will find this price tag a little high for their liking.
Based solely on his on-field performance, Marshall may well be worth it. Marshall had 104 catches for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns last season and 102 catches for 1,325 yards and seven TDs, in 2007. Marshall also led all NFL wide receivers in yards after first contact for the 2007 NFL season.
These are numbers that definitely put Marshall in the upper echelon of wide outs in the league.
The real concern for most fans, I think, is about his off-field troubles. Marshalls legal woes off the field have gained as much press as his on field play.
His arrest record runs the gambit from assaulting a police officer to domestic disturbance to disorderly conduct. While I admit to craving his level talent on the team, I am not so sure he would be worth the major headache he seems to represent.
Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com